Summary

In this chapter, we introduced you to the need for motion control. We also highlighted the challenges that the industry faces without motion control, as well as the challenges faced by the developers and the machine builders incorporating motion control. Usually, motion control applications are critical, and the developer, as well as the machine builder, need to be careful to ensure various safety measures and consider all interlocks.

After introducing you to these challenges, we explained various parameters in motion control, namely the position, the velocity (rate of change of position), the acceleration (rate of change of velocity), and keeping the rate of change of acceleration (known as jolt or jerk) to a minimum. These parameters are vital for the smooth functioning of motion components and mechanical parts. We then introduced you to a typical complex motion application in the packaging industry—the VFFS machine. This provides a realistic view of the task at...